Homes targeted by bogus officials

Bogus officials have made their way into the homes of three elderly people on South Tyneside and stolen money.

Two men claiming to be from the council got into the home of a 73-year-old man on John Reid Road, South Shields, and stole a large amount of cash on Friday.

Later a woman aged 74 had money stolen at Prince Edward Street in South Shields and a third incident happened at a house in Birtley, Gateshead.

Police said they were keeping an open mind over linking the incidents.

None of the people involved was hurt.

Officers have warned people to always check the identity of callers and if unsure close the door and contact police.

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